ISLAND CHARM – A delegation from The Bahamas turned on the island charm at the Holiday Folk Fair International in Wisconsin, Milwaukee at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.

WISCONSIN, Milwaukee, USA – In true Bahamian style, the Rake n Scrape delegation lit up the stage with their colorful renditions at this year’s Holiday Folk Fair in West Allis, Wisconsin.

The international festival, which is held annually over a five-day span at the Exposition Center of Wisconsin State Fair Park, is home to the largest indoor multicultural festival in the United States.

The 10-member group, six from Cat Island and four from Grand Bahama, flew in from The Bahamas on Wednesday and have been tantalizing festival goers with just a taste of what the small island-chain has to offer.

Despite the chilly weather, the group warmed up the indoors with its melodic flavor and was featured in FOX 6 News’ entertainment segment on Friday. Group leader Cleophas Webb, of Grand Bahama, explained to reporter Carl Deffenbaugh that the distinctive sound is a fusion of the African and European culture.

Photos l to r: The Bahamas’ Rake n Scrape group was featured in the entertainment segment of FOX6 News in Wisconsin, Milwaukee at the Holiday Folk Fair International; Photo 2: Straw doll

Ginger Moxey, President and CEO of Immerse Bahamas, Founder and President of 700 Partners Non-Profit Organization and Bahamas representative for the International Council of Organization of Folklore Festival and Folk Arts (CIOFF), is gracious for the invitation extended by the International Institute of Milwaukee.

“It’s been an amazing experience. We’re excited to be here to show the rest of the world what The Bahamas has to offer when it comes to its music, its people and its culture,” Moxey said.

The international folk fair is a celebration of cultures from around the world and offers thousands of visitors a variety of delectable foods, entertainment and cultural displays unique to each country.

As for the Bahamian exposure, the Rake n Scrape group would have put on more than a dozen performances by the time the cultural exhibition wraps up.

The Bahamas delegation returns home on Monday and is grateful to its many sponsors, including Cat Island Member of Parliament Philip Davis, the International Institute of Milwaukee, Investment Facilitating & Financing, Ltd., the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited, and Immerse Bahamas Co. Ltd. for making it all possible.